Badrinath dasa

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.

nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale srimate romapada-svamin iti namine
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

Guru Maharaja, on this very special occasion, please accept this humble offering at your lotus feet. Even though I am disqualified, I am attempting to do so only on the strength of your mercy.

I was living in darkness and you revealed the path of light. To walk on the path of light, the path of bhakti, is the goal of human life and you have mercifully bestowed this invaluable gift. I received answers to questions like who am I, where have I come from, what is my duty, what is the goal of my life, where do I have to go etc. I have heard again and again that I am an eternal servant of the Lord, but I find myself lacking in the practice of this science. Only by your mercy and compassion, I have this opportunity to learn and practice this topmost knowledge. I am sure that if I can just manage to hold on to your instructions and continue to accept your shelter, I will reach the ultimate goal of life.

You have given the greatest gift possible and that is shelter at your lotus feet. I am not qualified to receive the same, still you have so compassionately extended your loving shelter. In spite of being engaged in innumerable services for Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON, you take time out to extend yourself. You have also provided the wonderful loving association of His Grace Jagadananda Prabhu and Her Grace Ananda Vrndavana Mataji.

I have no words to express my gratitude to you. You are very dear to Lord Krsna and His devotees and I am determined to stay praying at your lotus feet for ever.

gurudev!
krp̣ ā-bindu diyā, koro’ ei dāse,

trṇ ̣āpekhā ati hīna
sakala sahane,bala diyā koro’,nija

māne sprḥ ā-hīna

Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations.

Guru Maharaja, I would have wasted my life and only because of you and your unlimited compassion, I have this opportunity to perfect my life. You have gifted the qualification and then allowed to become a member of this spiritual family of Srila Prabhupada. I want to reciprocate by applying myself sincerely to the process of sadhana bhakti and for this I beg for spiritual strength at your lotus feet.

Thank you very much for your shelter.

Your servant, Badrinath dasa